Down-to-earth leadership: Get to know Bishop-elect Timothy Graham

Timothy Graham didn’t plan on becoming a bishop. “I knew my name would be lifted up, but I didn’t have any expectations,” said Graham, who serves as a pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.

Although he knew he was under consideration for bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Graham didn’t fill out his biographical information for this year’s assembly ahead of time. “Well, if the Holy Spirit wants it to happen, [it will],” he thought. “I could not have planned it.”

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 30, 2024Living LutheranComment

Celebrating Generosity: Over 8,000 Pounds of Peanut Butter Donated to Combat Hunger

Lutheran Social Services in Nevada recently concluded the 2024 Peanut Butter Wars, raising over 8,000 pounds of peanut butter and $81,444 to combat food insecurity. New Song Lutheran Church led the charge, thanks in part to a heartwarming donation from Jake, a community member who found redemption through the church and LSSN. Additionally, their Back to School Brunch served 350 children, ensuring they are ready for the new school year. Learn how you can support our mission today!

Deepen Your Faith with Thriving Leadership Cohorts at Cal Lutheran

Interest forms are now available for the 2024-25 Thriving Leadership Formation Cohort Groups at California Lutheran University. These groups, meeting over Zoom 9-12 times, offer a unique space for spiritual practice and deeper connections. There is no cost, just a commitment to participate. Learn more and apply here. For questions, contact TLF Cohort Coordinator, Nicolette Rohr, at nrohr@callutheran.edu.

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

Photo: Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, LWF General Secretary, delivering the keynote address at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland during their Mission Partnership Consultation in Helsinki on 29 August.
Christians worldwide join for Season of Creation
Communities of hope in a divided world
Indonesia: Empowering women for leadership on Nias island
Burundi: From Bumba to the world

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 30, 2024Lutheran World FederationComment

Sharing Trustworthy Information About Where and How to Vote

As this post from ELCA Advocacy reminds us, our civic engagement as people of faith can help ensure that everyone benefits from the good of government. Some congregations use bulletin blurbs, some post a “Prepared to Vote Checklist” in the window from ELCA.org/civicengagementresources, some help neighbors check their voter registration status during church activities or at shelters they work with – among many creative approaches that fit their setting. Resources and ideas for this important non-partisan service by faith communities an election year are reprinted here by permission from the “Faith in Elections Playbook” of Interfaith America.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 29, 2024Church and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For those experiencing difficult transitions and in need of discernment…
For those experiencing warfare and escalating violence, especially in Gaza, Russia, and Ukraine…
For those affected by the murder-suicide at Rice University…
For those threatened by the path of typhoon Shanshan in Japan…
For those experiencing difficult or extreme weather conditions, such as the Midwest, Hawaii, and Alaska…
For NASA’s efforts to retrieve its two astronauts…
For all who have served and continue to serve in our nation’s military…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 29, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

John Dixon to Perform at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix

Join us for a free concert on September 13 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring organist and composer John Dixon. This is Dixon’s first Arizona performance, where he will present his own compositions on the church’s new Rodgers hybrid organ.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 29, 2024Our Saviour's Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

United in Prayer: Ecumenical Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season

Join ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The vigils will be held on September 9th at Our Lady of the Angels Conventual Church in Paradise Valley, October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and November 3rd at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation.

From love to lament: ELCA team explores creative theology and global outreach at gathering

What does a team do when they cannot meet in person because the work spans the globe? If you are part of the Service and Justice home area of the ELCA, you hold a weeklong gathering to talk about the evolving landscape of the church, the mission abroad, and themes of love, gratitude and adaptive change. The event featured discussions on the church’s future in the landscape of an ever-increasing secularization in the United States, the continued importance of global work, and the need to embrace new forms of ministry to serve God’s call. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 29, 2024Living LutheranComment

Global Spotlight: ELCA World Hunger

ELCA World Hunger is making strides against global hunger by addressing its root causes in collaboration with global partners. Supporting over 60 countries, this initiative leverages local knowledge and church networks to implement sustainable solutions in healthcare, income generation, and more, demonstrating the power of our collective contributions.

ELCA, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 29, 2024Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 8/30/2024

The Office of the Bishop staff prepares to enter a busy September full of events.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 29, 2024Office of the BishopComment

2024 Vote Faithfully Toolkit: Resources for Christian Civic Engagement

With the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, we share a post from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona as well as the Episcopal Church's Vote Faithfully Toolkit to help congregations engage in faithful civic participation. This toolkit offers resources for healthy election engagement, including crucial dates, action steps, and communication materials.

Weigh In on LAMA’s 2025 Policy Priorities

The end of the year is swiftly approaching, which means it will soon be time for the LAMA Policy Council to decide what our 2025 Policy Priorities will be.

Take our one-question survey now and let us know what you want LAMA to work on next year! We encourage you to share this survey with your ministries, small groups, and congregations. We want to hear from our community members across Arizona.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 28, 2024Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment

Embrace the Future: Reimagining Faith in an AI-Driven World

Rethink what ministry can look like in our increasingly digital world with the “Real Faith in an AI World: Rethinking Digital Ministry” Learning Community. This four-week course, starting on October 14, 2024, will equip you with the tools and strategies to integrate AI and digital tools into your ministry, ensuring authentic faith formation and community building in a tech-driven world.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 28, 2024faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Unleash Your Leadership Potential with the School for Lay Ministry

Transform Your Ministry in Just One Year with Theologically-Sound Training and Leadership Development. The School for Lay Ministry Learning Community starts October 12, 2024. Join this year-long journey to enhance your leadership skills, deepen your faith, and serve your congregation more effectively. Enroll now to secure your spot!

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 28, 2024Lay Leadershipo, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Faith and Justice: Lessons from Ferguson with Rev. F. Willis Johnson

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, explore the intersection of faith and justice with the Rev. F. Willis Johnson, a pastor who led his church through racial tensions in Ferguson, Missouri.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 28, 2024Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Safeguarding Religious Liberty: A Voter’s Guide for Challenging Times

As we face the 2024 elections, threats to religious freedom are more prevalent than ever. In the latest Christians Against Christian Nationalism newsletter, their Report from the Capital sheds light on the misuse of the Bible in politics and the dangers of Christian nationalism. Learn how you can prepare to vote, protect your freedoms, and engage in efforts to safeguard religious liberty.

Genesis Project Relocates to Epiphany of Christ Lutheran Church in Apache Junction

Genesis Project has moved to Epiphany of Christ Lutheran Church in Apache Junction. They continue their mission of serving the hungry and homeless with hot meals, clothing, and support at their new location.

Plan for the Future: Estate Planning Tools and Tips from the ELCA Foundation

August is National Make-a-Will Month—a perfect time to review and update your estate plans. The ELCA Foundation provides essential resources to guide you through every step, ensuring your values and priorities are honored. Explore tools like Giving Docs, learn about the benefits of a trust, and consider supporting an ELCA ministry as part of your legacy.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 28, 2024ELCA Foundation, Lisa HigginbothamComment

ELCA Spotlight: Domestic Hunger Grants

The ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants support transformative projects across the U.S. and Caribbean to combat the root causes of hunger and poverty. This initiative, part of ELCA World Hunger, empowers communities with resources to create sustainable change and ensure food security, reflecting our commitment to justice and Lutheran values of accompaniment and advocacy.

ELCA, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 28, 2024ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment

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